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Bean cake is a local delicacy in Nigeria and some West
African countries. The business is profitable and the snack is enjoyed by both
young and old.

The major ingredient is beans and a few ingredients such
as onions, pepper, salt, groundnut oil and spicing. Akara sellers are usually
low income earners or small scale entrepreneurs with limited startup capital.

Usually the seller perfects the frying in an open
environment and sells directly to patrons. The best times to fry the bean cakes
are in the morning or evening.

There is high demand for the product and practitioners
earn decent income from the business. To start the business you need a good
location, learn how to make Akara, purchase equipment and pay local taxes.

Here are a few ways to start your Akara business.

Starting
an Akara Snack Business

Learn
How to make Bean Cake

Before your launch the enterprise learn how to make bean
cake. Akara is very easy to make however you need to develop a cost effective
and profitable recipe.

Learn how to make the delicious snack from books, online
resources or a family member. The ingredients used in making the snack are
basic however the mixture is slightly different and unique to the seller.

How
to make Akara- Bean cake

To make Akara you need to purchase brown beans. It is
important to purchase the beans in bulk for higher profit taking.

You can start with a bag of beans which could last a month
or more depending on your customers and sales. Once you have your major
ingredient (beans) buy a 25 liter gallon of groundnut oil.

Other ingredients you need are onions, pepper, salt and
spicing. To make the Akara you can measure about ¼ paint bucket of beans.

You could start with a smaller quantity because once the
mixture is made it depreciates quickly and spoils in a couple of hours. The
beans are then washed in water to remove the outer covering.

Once this is done soak in water to soften the bean in
preparation for grinding. After a while remove the water grind the beans and a
little onion till you have a slightly smooth paste.

You can add small slices of onion to the paste including
little pepper, curry and salt. Mix the bean paste thoroughly to integrate the
ingredients.

Place your oil in a large frying bowl and apply heat.
Once your oil is reasonably hot scoop small portions of the bean paste and fry
in the oil.

Make sure your Akara is properly cooked by regulating the
flame to prevent burning or over cooking. The consistency and look of the final
product should be light brown.

Equipment
Used in Making Bean Cake

The equipment used in making bean cake is simple and
relatively easy to purchase. Buy a large bowl for frying including wood, charcoal
and cooker.

There are many fabricated iron cookers specifically made
for outdoor cooking. You also need charcoal, wood and accelerant such as
kerosene to light the cooker.

Other equipment is long frying spoon, glass or plastic
display case for the bean cake and plastic container for the raw bean paste.
You need a small measuring spoon to scope the paste into the hot oil.

Most sellers can’t afford a grinding machine and
patronize local grinders. However if you have money you should invest in a
grinding machine. You would need a freezer or refrigerator to keep the
remaining paste to prevent loss in revenue.

Equipment
List

Glass Display
Case

Large Frying
Bowl

Long aluminum
Spoon

Fabricated
Cooker

Charcoal

Dry Fire wood

Grinder

Freezer or
Refrigerator

Plastic Bucket

Nylon or
Newspaperto Package the product

The Location

The most ideal location is in a public place with lots of
human and vehicular traffic. You don’t need lots of space to display your
product and fry the bean cake.

Many Akara sellers don’t have shops and make do with a
table and cooker. To maximize profit Akara sellers include a few items to the
menu.

They sell pap paste (ogi), bread and even garri. Bean
cake is usually consumed with bread, pap or cereal.

Funding
the Akara Business

Funding is relatively easy because you need very small
funds to start the enterprise. You need funds to purchase a locally fabricated
cooker, large frying bowl, plastic bucket and show glass.

Purchase only the amount of beans you can afford until
you have a steady customer base. Try target savings or get small loans from
cooperatives in your area.

Try micro-finance banks or small trade banks in your
locality. You can borrow from friends and family to raise funds.

Registration
and Permits

You don’t have to register your business however there
are a few individual tax requirement. You need local government permit to sell
at the spot you choose. Make sure you keep your environment clean to conform to
environmental laws.

Selling
the (Akara) Product

Your business is location specific and dependent on direct
customer patronage. The only thing you can do is secure a good location and
make quality products.

Make sure the size of the bean cake is reasonable and
price fair. There are no marketing requirements except good tasty product. it
is possible to make over a 100% profit in the business.